To many, the small structure on the Palomar Mountains is no more than a white speck, but overlooking the valley is actually a 200-inch telescope held at the Palomar Observatory.

Temecula Valley Astronomers President Mark Baker spends his weekend mornings guiding tours at the observatory, giving insight on the history and inner workings of the largest telescope of its time. He greets the visitors outside of the simple and elegant art deco-style dome, designed by the Observatory’s chief architect, Russell W. Porter, in the 1930s. The whi...